Parents

The following are a few examples of questions commonly raised during the annual Parents and Family Welcome, a parent panel, held during Orientation Weekend.  Be sure to stop by this year’s panel on Thursday, September 3 from 3:30-5:00 for a chance to have your questions answered!

What are the dates that the residence halls are open and closed over vacations?
o See Academic Calendar
o The residence halls are open over short breaks. Students
   may stay in their rooms over three-day weekends,
   Thanksgiving Break and Spring Break. Residence hall
   space will be open to students over Christmas Break,
   with a per-night fee in effect; however, students may be
   required to relocate for the break.  A Christmas Break
   Housing sign up sheet will be available in early December
   in the Residential Life Office

Does my student want mail?
o Yes, especially snail mail - first time they will have a
   mailbox and key.  It makes their day to get something in
   their mailbox.

How do I send packages?
o UPS / FedEx any work
o Zip Code is 98447
o May take an extra day to get from PLU mailroom to 
   student
o Sharing food packages are a great way to make friends

What is the format of how to correctly address mail to residential students?
 [Name of Student]
Pacific Lutheran University
_______ Hall, Rm#_____
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447

What transportation to airport is available for students around the holidays?
o Students often have cars and are willing to drive a
   roommate or friend (helps if there is an offer to pay for
   gas).
o ASPLU sometimes provides service to airport for
   Thanksgiving and Christmas break
o Airport shuttle (see our Parents Handbook)

What do you recommend for a co-curricular balance?
o Research indicates that students who are involved in at
   least one outside co-curricular interest enjoy college more
   and are more successful.  Helps with organizational skills
   as well as time management and meeting new friends.
o Students can be involved in a variety of activities:  Sports
   & Music; Debate and Volunteering; Campus Ministry &
   Student Government, etc.

Parents are encouraged to get involved as well
o Parent’s Council
o Support for Hall activities or Sports teams, etc.
o Attend concerts, lectures, etc. on campus

How much outside employment do you recommend?
o Around 8 hours, especially first semester
o If a student needs to work more, encourage use of
   campus resources for academic assistance, time
   management, etc.

How do you put your work-study money to use?  Who can help?
o Student Employment can assist with your job search both
   on and off campus.

How do you give money for monthly expenses?  Recommended amount?
o Personal finances are a family decision.
o You can use Lutebucks which you can put on their
   Lutecard via web & credit card
o You can do a direct deposit with local banks, or send a
   check
o We suggest you have them work out a weekly budget to
   understand how they will need to allocate the money.

Are there resources for my student in regards to physical, mental, and spiritual health?
o Health Services
o Counseling Services
o Campus Ministry

Questions?
Office of Constituent Relations
253-535-7415
parents@plu.edu


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